Road Safety Law Changes // Seat Belts

Seat Belts

New laws came into effect on 1 October 2010, which introduced new rules for the restraint of children and adults.  These amendments follow those made at the national level under Australian Road Rules.
 
From 1 October 2010, only passengers that are sitting in a seat that is fitted with a seat belt or child restraint fastened properly can be carried in the vehicle.  No additional unrestrained passengers will be permitted and passengers cannot share the same seat.
 
While there have been rules prohibiting the carriage of unrestrained passengers in the backs of utes, trucks and panel vans since 2006, there have been no restrictions in the case of more passengers in the main body of the vehicle than available seat belted positions. 
 
This situation was of grave concern, given the importance of restraints in protecting occupants from injury in the event of a collision.
 
For more information on the new law, please download the information document below.

New rules for drivers and passengers of motor vehicles: Carriage of additional passengers, where there are no seat belts or child restraints (2 page PDF 123 KB)

Advertising
Street Smarts advertisement - New restraint legislation (1 page PDF 123 KB)
Press - Carriage of passengers (6 page PDF 1.2 MB)
Radio - Changes to restraints laws (15 second MP3 595 KB)
Road safety action will bring much needed reprieve to road trauma in WA
The Road Safety Council has welcomed the announcement by the Government in committing Road Trauma Trust Account funding for 12/13 to road safety priority improvement areas. Read the full release here.
WA Road Deaths and Serious Injuries
67 deaths as at 15 May 2012.
Approximately 1,056 serious injuries to date.

Click here for more statistics.
Current Campaign - Drink Driving
Drink driving contributes to over 30% of fatal road crashes. This campaign supports the community’s attitudes around the social unacceptability of drink driving. Find out more here.
Current Campaign - Safer Vehicles
Electronic Stability Control will help reduce your chances of running off the road - the leading cause of serious injuries on country roads.
Find out more here.
Current Campaign - Seat Belts
Our new campaign reminds road users that you belt up to protect yourself, because you are important to a lot of people.
Find out more here.